Ramaphosa Meets Madagascar’s President Ahead of SADC Summit

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has held a bilateral meeting with Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina ahead of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government.

The meeting took place in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, as regional leaders gathered in South Africa ahead of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit.

Ramaphosa met Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who serves as President of Madagascar, for discussions focused on strengthening relations between the two countries and addressing matters of mutual interest.

The engagement comes as SADC heads of state and government prepare to meet for the regional bloc’s 46th Ordinary Summit.

The bilateral meeting provided an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss areas of cooperation between South Africa and Madagascar ahead of the wider regional discussions.

South Africa and Madagascar are both members of SADC, which brings together countries in Southern Africa to promote regional cooperation, economic integration, peace and security.

The meeting also comes at a time when regional leaders are expected to discuss issues affecting the political and economic direction of Southern Africa during the summit.

Randrianirina assumed the presidency of Madagascar following political upheaval in the country and is attending the SADC gathering as the country’s head of state.

The discussions between Ramaphosa and Randrianirina are part of a series of bilateral engagements taking place ahead of the summit, allowing leaders to address country-to-country relations alongside broader regional matters.

The two leaders are expected to join other SADC heads of state and government for the summit, where issues of regional cooperation and matters affecting member states will be considered.